Shofars

These days, the shofar (שופר) is associated with the high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, though it is blown every day of the month beforehand, in Elul. This horn is an ancient instrument. The sounds of the shofar have been deployed on a variety of occasions throughout Jewish history, including to announce a new month, when Shabbat approached, as well as to warn communities of the beginning of a battle or war. Jews also pray to hear the blast of the Shofar that announces the arrival of Moshiach, giving this instrument significance belonging to the past, present, and future in their own rights.

This year, Rosh Hashanah falls on Wednesday, October 2nd, Yom Kippur begins Friday, October 11th, and the month of Elul starts September 4th, so make sure that you have a shofar before then.

Why do Jews use a shofar?

The Jews use a shofar, historically for many more occasions than it is used for now, including the pronouncement of a new month, a new king, the arrival of Shabbat and Sabbatical years, and as a war horn to name just some of the uses. On a spiritual level, the sound of the Shofar is supposed to mimic the cries of a mother, to open each individual’s souls to accept mercy and begin growing for the better, as well as to appeal to God’s mercy that He should hear our cries and take pity on our plights.

When and why is the shofar blown?

In modern times, someone blasts the shofar every day during morning services in synagogue throughout the month of Elul, except on Shabbat. The shofar is also used during Rosh Hashanah prayer services and at the end of Yom Kippur to signify the end of the Day of Atonement and by extension the fast.

Do different shofar sounds mean different things? Is there a specific order?

Yes! There are three main types of blasts: Tekiah (תקיעה‎), Shevarim (שברים‎), and Teruah (תרועה‎). You will hear all three of these blasts on the holiday of Rosh Hashanah. The sound of the shofar sounds like wailing, in order to invoke the attribute of mercy from G-d onto the Jewish people during this time of repentence and growth.
Tekiah is one single long blast of the shofar, while Shevarim is three short blasts that are sounded one right after the other. Teruah is a series of short blasts, also done in quick succession. Tekiah Gedolah is when someone blows the shofar once for as long as they can.
These shofar sounds are

What Makes a Shofar Kosher?

A shofar needs two qualifications for a shofar to be kosher, but this is nothing to worry about in almost all cases. So long as the horn is from a kosher animal, such as a ram's horn or kudu shofar and is not an antler which does not naturally hollow out anyway. At minimum it must be at least 10cm, or using the ancient measurement: 1 tefach from the mouthpiece to the end with no breaks or coatings. All of Judaica Webstore's shofars are kosher, except those with paint or metal plating. Horns from cattle are avoided to not associate this mitzvah with the sin of the Golden Calf.

What Are the Origins of the Shofar

The origins of the shofar trace back to ancient Israel, where it was mentioned in the Torah, particularly in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. It was used by the Israelites in the Sinai Desert after the Exodus from Egypt, notably at the moment when the Ten Commandments were given at Mount Sinai. It symbolizes a covenant with G-d, acting as a call to worship, a signal for important events, and a tool for spiritual awakening. The ram's horn, chosen for its biblical associations with the story of the Binding of Isaac which is also recited on Rosh Hashanah, became the preferred material, embedding the shofar deep within Jewish liturgical tradition.

How do I choose the shofar that is right for me?

The most important thing to keep in mind before you place an order for your shofar is that some communities have varying norms about the use of different animals. If you're unsure, ask a trusted rabbi before purchasing. You can also take a look at our guide to buying the perfect shofar to ensure that whatever shofar you order from our website will be suitable for your needs. For inspiration while you shop, make sure to check out our team's handpicked top 10 shofars for 2024!